Player Grades: Cavs vs. Knicks
Cavs made a statement tonight.
The regular season only means so much. But when you’re facing a team that has had the mental edge over you like the New York Knicks have against the Cleveland Cavaliers — a game like this matters more.
Cleveland made a statement. This isn’t the same team that got punked in 2023. The Cavs have outgrown their former rival and they showed that with authority tonight.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
27 points (10-15 shooting), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 26 minutes
Mitchell looked like a superstar in this game. He set the tone immediately and then added 17 points in the second quarter alone. Mitchell’s bag is deep and he pulled out every trick against New York.
From his dazzling three-point shooting to an acrobatic and-one finish through contact — the Knicks had no answer for Mitchell. More importantly, Mitchell’s confidence was spread throughout the roster as every Cavalier reflected his aggressive approach.
Grade: A+
Darius Garland
9 points (2-12 shooting), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 25 minutes
This box score does not represent the way Garland played. Seeing his 2-12 shooting was a shock after it felt like Garland had no trouble dicing the Knicks' defense or getting to his spots. He left a few easy opportunities on the board (like a wide-open layup and subsequent corner three-pointer) but this was an otherwise strong game from DG.
Garland took back-to-back blows to the head in the second quarter. The latter of which was a direct faceplant after drawing a foul. He was visibly shaken for multiple minutes before eventually leaving the game altogether in the second half. This gives an incomplete look to a wonky box score that really didn’t feel as bad as it looks.
Grade: B-
De’Andre Hunter
16 points (6-7 shooting), 1 assist, 19 minutes
Hunter has made an instant impact on the Cavaliers. His offensive production added fuel to the fire as he drilled 4-4 three-point shots in just 19 minutes. Hunter finished 6-7 from the floor overall.
Having a legit wing who can cover ground and shoot above contests has been a blessing. Hunter wasn’t bothered by defenders closing into his space — with one of his shots taken directly over Jalen Brunson’s outstretched arms.
On defense, Hunter gives the Cavs athleticism and switchablity. Early in the first half, Hunter sprinted in transition to force a Knicks miss at the rim. This is a play that just wasn’t possible for someone like Georges Niang. The positional versatility brought by Hunter is a difference-maker.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
21 points (9-11 shooting), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 25 minutes
Mobley is a vastly superior player than the one he was when Cleveland lost in five games to the Knicks two seasons ago. This game felt like the culmination of his growth — with Mobley going for New York’s neck the moment the match started.
There was no timidity from Mobley tonight. He approached this game like an All-Star who can’t be contained by the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns or Precious Achiuwa. Lo and behold, he was right. His length and dexterity proved to be too much for anyone on the Knicks roster to stifle. This was a dominant performance from Mobley.
Grade: A+
Max Strus
5 points (2-4 shooting), 8 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 21 minutes
Strus remains in Cleveland’s starting lineup. And while I still think Hunter should take his place — this game showed why Strus keeps getting the nod. His chemistry with the core four is undeniable as he racked up assists with ease.
The Cavs will need Strus to get hot from deep at some point this season. His shooting has left a tad to be desired all year. But Strus’ ability to get downhill and work with Cleveland’s bigs is a luxury. He threw multiple lobs to Evan Mobley tonight and was a great piece of the defense, as well.
Grade: A-
Jarrett Allen
10 points (5-6 shooting), 3 rebounds, 20 minutes
Allen left this game early with a hand injury. Still, the box score doesn’t seem friendly to him. Likewise with Garland — Allen was much better than this stat line suggests. He provided constant rim pressure on New York’s defense and put a lid on the other end, even if he wasn’t collecting rebounds like he was the night before.
Grade: B+
Ty Jerome
19 points (7-11 shooting), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 19 minutes
If you told me Cleveland had the best guard rotation in the NBA, I might have to believe you. Who else is getting production like this from their backup point guard as often as the Cavs? Payton Pritchard is the only other one in the same ballpark.
Jerome worked his magic against tonight. 19 points in 19 minutes while being an absolute menace in pick-and-roll. His floater has been cash all season long. And somehow, he continues to take opponents by surprise with his aggressive swipes at the ball on defense.
Grade: A+
Sam Merrill
5 points (2-4 shooting), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Merrill was SCRAPPY in this game. He was super physical when switched onto Brunson and snatched three steals by diving into passing lanes. Merrill’s activity on defense was a pleasant surprise and it helped Cleveland keep their foot on New York all game.
Grade: A-
Dean Wade
2 points (1-2 shooting), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 15 minutes
Wade made his return to the floor after missing the previous weeks with a knee injury. He was eased back into the fray — only playing 15 minutes and mostly running through the motions.
Nevertheless, Wade’s presence has always made a huge difference. His size and versatility on defense are going to be an added luxury to a team that now has Hunter on the bench. The brief minutes of Wade, Okoro, Hunter and Mobley together is something I am looking forward to seeing again.
Grade: B+
Isaac Okoro
6 points (3-6 shooting), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 18 minutes
Okoro made his return last night against the Nets. In his second game back, he looked much more like himself. Okoro was running the floor, operating in the short-roll and asserting himself defensively.
The Cavs were paper-thin on the wing just a week ago. Now, they have a plethora of playable options. Okoro is going to be all the more valuable if he contributes on the glass like he did tonight.